Central ND News

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota took to the House floor alongside Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa, demanding an end to the Biden administration's reinstatement of the 'Once-In-Always-In' rule. This regulation classifies industrial facilities as "major sources" of hazardous air pollutants without allowing reclassification, even if emissions are reduced below federal thresholds. Fedorchak introduced a resolution aimed at repealing the rule, emphasizing the need to incentivize facilities that invest in emission reduction.

Fedorchak remarked, "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to my colleagues in the Western Caucus for leading the charge to strengthen rural America’s future."

Highlighting her background, she noted, "As a fourth-generation North Dakotan, I’ve seen how the hard work of our energy and agricultural producers fuels our economy, strengthens our communities, and secures our very way of life."

Fedorchak criticized the rule for penalizing businesses that make emission reduction efforts, stating, "This rule permanently classifies certain industrial facilities as 'major sources' of hazardous air pollutants, even if they take meaningful steps to reduce emissions below the federal thresholds."

Facilities, she argued, should be "rewarded—not locked into outdated, costly regulations that discourage further improvements."

The Congresswoman called for regulatory certainty for American businesses, emphasizing the need to "stand up for the industries that power our economy and reject Washington’s one-size-fits-all approach."

Fedorchak praised North Dakota's track record, stating, "Our state has never violated federal air quality standards while being one of the largest energy producers in the whole country," attributing it to significant investments in emissions control technologies.

She concluded her remarks with a call to action, saying, "Let's restore regulatory certainty—the number one cry from the industry that I meet with: we need regulatory certainty—and let’s send a clear message that we stand with American energy producers, farmers, manufacturers, and we stand with innovation."

Link to the full speech was provided at the end of her address.

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